Adjustable corner bead

ABSTRACT

An adjustable corner bead which can join two wall members or board members at a plurality of angles can be set up relatively easily, and is portable, easy to transport, and easy to store. The adjustable corner bead has a first support member and a second support member. The first support member has a substantially flat portion adapted to be secured to a wall or board member, and also has a curved portion formed by two curved members extending substantially in parallel with each other from one end of the substantially flat portion. The two curved members form a slot therebetween. The second support member has a substantially flat portion adapted to be secured to a wall or board member, and has a curved portion formed by a single curved member which is adapted to be received within the slot formed in the first support member. Each of the curved portions has a shape corresponding to the outmost surface of a substantially right regular cylindical member. The flat portion of the first support member and the flat portion of the second support member have a plurality of holes therethrough for passage of nails, bolts, brads, or any other types of fasteners known in the construction industry.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/692,654, filed on Jun. 22, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to adjustable corner beads, useful in construction and building. The adjustable corner bead of the present invention is particularly useful in joining two wall members or board members at angles which are perpendicular as well as at non-perpendicular angles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

At the pace of technological change, there is a great demand for construction projects to build, improve, or modernize a structure. Connecting members or connecting devices are used to join two wall members or board members, particularly at right angles or at fixed angles. Angle iron constitutes one type of connector, each leg of the angle iron being fastened to a respective wall or board member.

It is a problem in the prior art to provide a connecting member for connecting two wall members or board members at selectable angles, and particularly for angles which are not perpendicular angles.

It is a further problem in the prior art to provide a single connector usable with a number of different joining angles, so that it is not necessary to stock a large number of connecting members having different joining angles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

From the foregoing, it is seen that it is a problem in the art to provide a device meeting the above requirements. According to the present invention, a device and process are provided which meets the aforementioned requirements and needs in the prior art. Specifically, the device according to the present invention provides an adjustable corner bead which can join two wall members or board members at a plurality of angles, can be set up relatively easily, and which is portable, easy to transport, and easy to store.

More particularly, the invention relates to an adjustable corner bead having a first support member and a second support member. The first support member has a substantially flat portion adapted to be secured to a wall or board member, and also has a curved portion formed by two curved members extending substantially in parallel with each other from one end of the substantially flat portion. The two curved members form a slot therebetween. The second support member has a substantially flat portion adapted to be secured to a wall or board member, and has a curved portion formed by a single curved member which is adapted to be received within the slot formed in the first support member.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, each of the curved portions has a shape corresponding to the outmost surface of a substantially right regular cylindical member. Thus, each of the curved portions has a fixed radius of curvature.

Additionally, the flat portion of the first support member and the flat portion of the second support member have, in a preferred embodiment, a plurality of holes therethrough for passage of nails, bolts, brads, or any other types of fasteners known in the construction industry usable in securing a flat surface to a wall member or board member.

It is a further feature of the present invention to provide an adjustable corner bead as described above, which is composed of light gauge galvanized steel, and plated so that it is rust proof or rust resistant. The adjustable corner bead, according to the present invention, in the preferred embodiment is furthermore is contemplated as being formed by extrusion.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an alternative embodiment wherein a plurality of holes or apertures are formed in one of the two curved portions of the first support member to reveal indicia formed on the curved portion of the second support member.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an adjustable corner bead according to the present invention, showing the interengagement of a first support member and a second support member.

FIG. 2 is a schematic, end elevational view of the adjustable corner bead of FIG. 1, depicting the interengagement of the first support member and the second support member.

FIG. 2A is a schematic, end elevational view of the first member standing alone, having an angle marked thereon.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged end view of a tip portion of the first support member, showing the point where the two curved members join with a substantially flat portion of the first support member.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged end view of a tip portion of the first support member, showing a second embodiment of the point where the two curved members join with a substantially flat portion of the first support member, wherein the two curved members meet at the a substantially flat portion at a V-shaped junction.

FIG. 5 is a schematic, end elevational view of another embodiment of an adjustable corner bead, depicting the interengagement of the first support member and the second support member, wherein each of the first support member and the second support member have spiral-shaped curved portions which interlock when in use.

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the corner bead of FIG. 1 showing a crimped end which secures the first support member and the second support member together.

FIG. 7 is front elevational view of the corner bead of FIG. 1, showing an alternative crimped portion which is intermediate the free ends of the first support member and the second support member.

FIG. 8 is a schematic elevational view of an alternative embodiment of a first support member of the corner bead similar to that of FIG. 1, with a plurality of apertures in an upper one of the two curved members of the curved portion of the first support member.

FIG. 9 is a schematic elevational view of an alternative embodiment of a second support member having indicia thereon.

FIG. 10 is a schematic elevational view of the alternative embodiment of the second support member of FIG. 9 having indicia thereon, the first support member of this view being that of the embodiment of FIG. 8, so that the relative angular relation of the first support member to the second support member is indicated by the indicia of the second support member appearing through the apertures of the first support member.

FIG. 11 schematically indicates in perspective view one use of the adjustable corner bead of the present invention, with the adjustable corner bead being used to join two wall board members at an inside wall corner where the board members meet at an angle in a range between 20 degrees and 150 degrees.

FIG. 12 schematically indicates in perspective view one use of the adjustable corner bead of the present invention, with the adjustable corner bead being used to join two wall board members at an outside wall corner.

FIG. 13 schematically indicates in perspective view one use of the adjustable corner bead of the present invention, with the adjustable corner bead being used to join two wall board members at an inside cathedral ceiling corner.

FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of another, preferred embodiment of an adjustable corner bead having a first corner member which has a male end.

FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the first corner member of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is another view of the first corner member of FIG. 15, with arrows marked for dimensions and a detail circle “A” marked thereon.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of a male end of the first corner member of FIG. 16, showing the enlarged portion marked detail “A” of FIG. 16.

FIG. 17A is a greatly enlarged view of a stop member portion of the male end of the first corner member of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a front elevational view of the preferred embodiment of an adjustable corner bead, having a second corner member which has a female end.

FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of the second corner member of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is another view of the second corner member of FIG. 19, with arrows marked for dimensions and a detail circle “A” marked thereon.

FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of a female end of the second corner member of FIG. 20, showing the enlarged portion marked detail “A” of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is an enlarged detail view of the coupling between the female end of the second corner member and the male end of the first corner member, labelled as detail view “B”.

FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of the adjustable corner bead formed by the coupling between the female end of the second corner member and the male end of the first corner member, such that the first corner member and second corner member extend at an angle of 90 degrees.

FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of the adjustable corner bead formed by the coupling between the female end of the second corner member and the male end of the first corner member, such that the first corner member and second corner member extend at an angle of 150 degrees, and wherein the detail portion “B” shown in FIG. 22 is marked by a circle.

FIG. 25 is a greatly enlarged view of a stop member portion of the female end of the second corner member of FIG. 21.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a schematic front elevational view of an adjustable corner bead 100, showing the interengagement of a first support member 20 and a second support member 10.

The adjustable corner bead 100 according to the present invention can join two wall members or board members (as shown in FIGS. 11, 12, and 13) at a plurality of angles, can be set up relatively easily during construction. The adjustable corner bead 100 is also portable, relatively easy to manufacture, is relatively easy to transport, and relatively easy to store.

The first support member 20 has a substantially flat portion 22 adapted to be secured to a wall or board member, and also has a curved portion 21 formed by two curved members 23 and 24 extending substantially in parallel with each other. The substantially flat portion 22 has a plurality of holes or bores 30 therethrough, to permit passage of nails, bolts, screws, or other fastener means known in the construction industry. The two curved members 23 and 24 are disposed at one end of the substantially flat portion 22. The two curved members 23 and 24 form a slot therebetween.

The second support member 10 has a substantially flat portion 12 adapted to be secured to a wall or board member, and has a curved portion 14. . The substantially flat portion 12 has a plurality of holes or bores 30 therethrough, to permit passage of nails, bolts, screws, or other fastener means known in the construction industry. The curved portion 14 is a single curved member which is adapted to be received within the slot 50 formed between the two curved members 23 and 24 of the first support member 20. The interengagement of the curved portion 14 in the slot 50 of the first support member 20 secures the first support member 20 together with the second support member 10 against separation.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, each of the curved portions 14, 23, and 24 has a shape corresponding to the outmost surface of a substantially right regular cylindical member. Thus, each of the curved portions has a fixed radius of curvature.

In the preferred embodiment, the adjustable corner bead 100 is composed of light gauge galvanized steel, and is plated so that it is rust proof or rust resistant. However, other materials may also be used, such as aluminum, chrome-plated steel, plastic, copper and any known alloys known in the metalworking arts. The adjustable corner bead 100 in the preferred embodiment is preferably formed by extrusion. The materials including steel, aluminum, copper, and known alloys in the metalworking arts can be extruded. In an embodiment wherein plastic is used, the forming process can be that of plastic molding, as well as of extrusion.

By way of one example of a preferred embodiment, the dimensions of the adjustable corner bead 100 are as follows. The radius curvature of the curved member 23 is about one-fourth inch, the radius of curvature of the curved member 14 is slightly greater than that of the curved member 23, and the radius of curvature of the curved member 24 is slightly greater than that of the curved member 14. The angle formed between the first support member 20 and the second support member 10 can vary between 90 degrees and 150 degrees, as shown in FIG. 1. The lengths of the first and second support members is preferably in standard eight and ten foot sizes, though other lengths are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention.

All dimensions provided herein are by way of example only, and do not limit the scope of the present invention; other dimensions are usable as well, and the adjustable corner bead 100 can be scaled up or down as desired, and the relative proportions may be varied as well.

FIG. 2 is a schematic, end elevational view of the adjustable corner bead 100 as viewed from the left of FIG. 1, depicting the interengagement of the first support member 20 and the second support member 10. As seen in this view, the curved portion 23 extends through an angle G, wherein the angle G is preferable 150 degrees. The curved portion 24 and the curved portion 14 both likewise respectively span angles approximately equal to the angle G.

FIG. 2A is a schematic, end elevational view of the first member 10 standing alone, showing the curved portion 14 and the substantially flat portion 12. In this view, the curved portion 14 spans an angle H, which as noted above is approximately equal to the angle G.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged end view of a tip portion of the first support member 20, showing a point where the two curved members 23 and 24 join with the substantially flat portion 22 of the first support member 20. In this view, the two curved members 23 and 24 extend substantially in parallel with each other, and are separated by a gap having a dimension K. To form this embodiment, the preferred method is extrusion. Molding and casting are other manufacturing methods usable in the present invention to form the first support member 20.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged end view of a tip portion of the first support member 20 a, showing a second embodiment wherein two curved members 23 a and 24 a join with a substantially flat portion 22 a of the first support member 20 a. The two curved members 23 a and 24 a meet at the substantially flat portion 22 a at a V-shaped junction; beyond the V-shaped junction, two curved members 23 a and 24 a diverge for a relatively small distance until they are separated by a distance equal to the gap K of FIG. 3. Thereafter, the two curved members 23 a and 24 a then extend substantially in parallel with each other.

FIG. 5 is a schematic, end elevational view of another embodiment of an adjustable corner bead 200, depicting the interengagement of a first support member 60 and a second support member 70, wherein each of the first support member 60 and the second support member 70 have spiral-shaped curved portions 64 and 74 respectively which interlock when in use. The first support member 60 has a substantially flat portion 64, and the second support member 70 has a substantially flat portion 74.

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the corner bead 100 of FIG. 1 showing a crimped end 90 which secures the first support member 20 and the second support member 10 together. The crimped portion itself is indicated by deformed portions 91 adjacent the end 90, which are formed upon trimming or cutting of the end 90 during installation. Alternatively, crimps can be intentionally formed by a crimping tool or a pliers, for example.

FIG. 7 is front elevational view of the corner bead 100 of FIG. 1, showing an alternative crimped portion 92 which is intermediate the free ends of the first support member 20 and the second support member 10. The crimped portion 92 secures the first support member 20 and the second support member 10 together. The crimped portion is formed by a crimping tool or by a pliers, for example.

FIG. 8 is a schematic elevational view of an alternative embodiment of a first support member 20B of the corner bead 100 similar to that of FIG. 1, with a plurality of apertures 28 formed in a curved member 24B, which is the upper one of the two curved members of the curved portion of the first support member 20B. In other respects, the first support member 20B is identical to the first support member 20 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a schematic elevational view of an alternative embodiment of a second support member 10B having a plurality of columns of indicia blocks 17 thereon. The indicia in each block is labelled 17 a, . . . , 17 e in FIG. 9.

As seen in FIG. 10, the indicia 17 in the preferred embodiment represents angle information, so that the relative angle between the first support member 20B of FIG. 8 and the second support member 10B of FIG. 9, when assembled together, are shown by the indicia 17 visible through the apertures 28. The reason for several columns of indicia blocks 17, and for the plurality of apertures in FIG. 8 which are staggered, is to permit larger indicia to be used, so that only one of the apertures need line up over a particular one of the indicia blocks, and still give a correct reading. Alternatively, the indicia may be simple color codes, such as red, blue, green, and so on, in which a particular color indicates a particular angle between the second support member 10B and the first support member 20B.

In FIG. 10, which is a schematic elevational view of the alternative embodiment of the second support member of FIG. 9 having indicia thereon, the first support member of this view being that of the embodiment of FIG. 8, so that the relative angular relation of the first support member 20B to the second support member 10 is indicated by the indicia 17 of the second support member 10B appearing through the apertures 28 of the first support member 10B.

FIG. 11 schematically indicates in perspective view one use of the adjustable corner bead 100 of the present invention, with the adjustable corner bead 100 being used to join two wall board members at an inside wall corner where the board members meet at an angle in a range between 20 degrees and 150 degrees.

FIG. 12 schematically indicates in perspective view one use of the adjustable corner bead 100 of the present invention, with the adjustable corner bead being used to join two wall board members at an outside wall corner.

FIG. 13 schematically indicates in perspective view one use of the adjustable corner bead 100 of the present invention, with the adjustable corner bead being used to join two wall board members at an inside cathedral ceiling corner.

FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of another, preferred embodiment of an adjustable corner bead 100′ (shown in FIG. 23) having a first corner member 300 which has a body portion 320 and a male end 310. The body portion 320 is perforated by a plurality of holes or bores 330, and preferably there are 72 holes/foot length of the body portion 320.

Dimensions in the preferred embodiment are indicated by arrows in FIG. 14 as follows. The dimension 311 is preferably 0.125 inches, the dimension 312 is 0.500 inches, the dimension 313 is 0.250 inches, the dimension 315 is preferably either 8 feet or 10 feet (though other lengths are possible and such variations are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention), the dimension 316 is 0.297 inches, and the dimension 317 is 0.453 inches. The diameter of each the holes 330 is indicated by the indicia DH in FIG. 14, and is preferably 0.125 inches, although other hole diameters are possible and such variations are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the first corner member 300 of FIG. 14. It shows the male end 310 and the body portion 320 in side view. FIG. 16 is another view of the first corner member 300 of FIG. 15, with arrows marked for dimensions and a detail circle “A” marked thereon. The dimension 325 is preferably 1.500 inches, the dimension 327 is 1.785 inches, and the dimension 326 is 0.040 with a tolerance of plus or minus 0.010 inches.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of the male end 310 of the first corner member 300 of FIG. 16, showing the enlarged portion marked detail “A” of FIG. 16 and a stop member portion 760. The radii dimensions are as follows. The radius dimension 321 is 0.155 inches, the radius dimension 322 is 0.005 inches, the radius dimension 323 is 0.130 inches, and the radius dimension 324 is 0.090 inches.

FIG. 17A is a greatly enlarged view of a stop member portion 760 of the male end 310 of the first corner member 300 of FIG. 16. In FIG. 17A, the stop member portion 760 has an engagement tip portion 752 and an engagement recess portion 754.

FIG. 18 is a front elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the second corner member 400 of the adjustable corner bead 100′, wherein the second corner member 400 has a female end 410 and a body portion 420, as well as a plurality of holes 430. There are preferably 72 holes per linear foot of the body portion 420, though this may be varied and any number of holes 72 may be provided.

Dimensions in the preferred embodiment are indicated by arrows in FIG. 18 as follows. The dimension 411 is 0.125 inches, the dimension 412 is 0.500 inches, the dimension 413 is 0.250 inches, the dimension 414 is 8 feet or 10 feet (though other lengths and dimensions are possible and such variations are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention), the dimension 415 is 0.297 inches, the dimension 416 is 0.453 inches, and the dimension 417 is 0.453 inches.

FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of the second corner member 400 of FIG. 18. In this view, the female end 410 and the body portion 420 are seen in side view.

FIG. 20 is another view of the second corner member 400 of FIGS. 18 and 19, with arrows marked for dimensions and a detail circle “A” marked thereon. In this view, the female end is seen as having a first curved end 450 and a second curved end 452. The dimension 421 is 1.500 inches, the dimension 422 is 1.904 inches, the dimension 423 is 0.233 inches, and the dimension 434 is 0.040 inches.

Regarding the aforementioned stated dimensions of the preferred embodiment, other dimensions are possible within the scope of the present invention, and all such variations which would be within the ambit of one ordinarily skilled in the construction arts or the fastener arts are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of the female end 410 of the second corner member 400 of FIGS. 19 and 20, showing the enlarged portion marked detail “A” of FIG. 20. In FIG. 21, the second curved end 452 is seen to have a stop member portion 650. The first curved end portion 450 and the second curved end portion 452 are coaxially curved so as to form a space therebetween adapted to received the male end 310 of the first corner member 300. When the first corner member 300 is engaged with the second corner member during actual use, the stop member portion 650 of the female end 410 is adapted to engage the stop member portion 760 of the male end 310 so as to retain the male end 310 between the first curved end portion 450 and the second curved end portion 452.

Dimensions in the preferred embodiment are indicated by arrows in FIG. 21 as follows. The radius dimensions are indicated by numerals 424, 426-429, 432, 433, and 450 as follows: dimension 424 indicates a radius of 0.050 inches, 426 is 0.160 inches, 427 is 0.200 inches, 428 is 0.040 inches, 429 is 0.080 inches, and 433 is 0.005 inches. The linear spacing indicated by dimension 431 is 0.080 inches, and the linear spacing 425 is 0.055 inches.

FIG. 22 is an enlarged detail view of the adjustable corner bead 100′ formed by the coupling between the female end 410 of the second corner member 400 and the male end 310 of the first corner member 300, labelled as detail view “B” (the detail “B” being indicated in FIG. 24). Because of the shapes of the parts, first corner member 300 can be assembled to the second corner member by sliding in a direction perpendicular to the page, or by otherwise manipulating the parts. The engagement permits sliding of the male end 310 within the slot formed by the female end 410. To prevent disengagement of the male end 310 from the female end 410, when the first corner member 300 is engaged with the second corner member during actual use, the stop member portion 650 of the female end 410 is adapted to engage the stop member portion 760 of the male end 310 so as to retain the male end 310 between the first curved end portion 450 and the second curved end portion 452.

FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of the adjustable corner bead 100′ formed by the coupling between the female end 410 of the second corner member 400 and the male end 310 of the first corner member 300, such that the first corner member 300 and the second corner member 400 extend at an angle of 90 degrees.

FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of the adjustable corner bead 100′ formed by the coupling between the female end 410 of the second corner member 400 and the male end 310 of the first corner member 300, such that the first corner member 300 and second corner member 400 extend at an angle of 150 degrees, and wherein the detail portion “B” shown in FIG. 22 is marked by a circle labelled “B”.

FIG. 25 is a greatly enlarged view of the stop member portion 650 of the female end 410 of the second corner member 400 of FIG. 21. In this view, the stop member portion has an engagement portion 652 and a recess 654.

The invention being thus described, it will be evident that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the claims. 

1. An adjustable corner bead adapted to join two wall members or board members at a selectable angle, comprising: a first support member having a substantially flat portion adapted to be secured to a wall or board member and a curved portion, the curved portion including two curved members extending substantially in parallel with each other so that a slot is formed therebetween; the curved portion being disposed at one end of the substantially flat portion; and a second support member having a substantially flat portion adapted to be secured to a wall or board member, and having has a curved portion which includes only a single curved member which is adapted to be received within the slot formed between the two curved members of the first support member.
 2. An adjustable corner bead as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the curved portions has a shape corresponding to the outmost surface of a substantially right regular cylindical member, such that each of the curved portions has a fixed radius of curvature.
 3. An adjustable corner bead as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flat portion of the first support member and the flat portion of the second support member have a plurality of holes therethrough for passage of fasteners for securement to a wall member or board member.
 4. An adjustable corner bead as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first support member and the second support member are composed of light gauge galvanized steel, so as to be rust resistant.
 5. An adjustable corner bead adapted to join two wall members or board members at a selectable angle, comprising: A first support member having a substantially flat body portion adapted to be secured to a wall or board member, and having has male end portion, the male end portion comprising a single curved member; a second support member having a substantially flat body portion adapted to be secured to a wall or board member, and having a female end portion; the female end portion being a curved portion which includes two curved members extending substantially coaxially with each other so as to form a slot therebetween; the curved female portion being disposed at one end of the substantially flat body portion; wherein the single curved member of the male portion being adapted to be slideably received within the slot formed between the two curved members of the female portion of the first support member.
 6. An adjustable corner bead as claimed in claim 5, wherein each of the two curved members of the female portion of the first support member has a shape corresponding to the outmost surface of a substantially right regular cylindical member, such that each of the curved portions has a fixed radius of curvature.
 7. An adjustable corner bead as claimed in claim 5, wherein the flat portion of the first support member and the flat portion of the second support member have a plurality of holes therethrough for passage of fasteners for securement to a wall member or board member; and wherein one of the two curved members of the female portion has a stop member portion at its distal end and the male end portion has a stop member portion at its distal end, such that disengagement of the first and second support member is prevented by engagement of the stop member portions.
 8. An adjustable corner bead as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first support member and the second support member are composed of light gauge galvanized steel, so as to be rust resistant.
 9. An adjustable corner bead as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first support member and the second support member are composed of plastic polymer material, so as to be rust resistant. 